3#03

3

"Doing my utmost, really trying. You know, I'm accustomed to living overseas—being here for extended periods is quite challenging for me..."

As I exchanged warm greetings with my mother-in-law, Rossa, standing off to the side without any official position, was so jealous that her face twisted in frustration.

After all, I still retained the position of the Walter Family's primary daughter-in-law, while she remained unrecognized and unnamed.

Twelve months ago, I separated from William—at least, that's what we told everyone. In truth, we were only living apart; the divorce was never completed.

Although Rossa had moved into William's house and acted as the new young mistress of the Walter Family, the reality was that they hadn't legally married. Officially, they had no connection.

This was one of William's dilemmas. Any official change in his marital status would immediately alert his mother.

And if his mother discovered he had forced me out to bring in a mistress, she would severely punish him.

So, even though everyone present was aware of the complicated relationships between me, Rossa, and William, no one dared to mention it.

As I conversed with my mother-in-law, our discussion became animated. At one point, she reached into her purse and pulled out a massive emerald necklace, placing it in my hand.

"Dana, I acquired this at the royal auction in France—a perfect emerald that was once part of their royal collection. Not too pricey, just slightly over a hundred million Dollar. Consider it a welcome home gift from me to you."

Her birthday celebration hadn't even begun and she was already presenting me with a gift. It was evident how much she cherished and appreciated me.

That gesture alone was enough to make everyone else seethe with envy.

I accepted the necklace gratefully.

"Thank you, Mom. I've brought a gift for you as well—I guarantee it's something you don't already possess!"

I glanced sideways at Rossa. Her expression was already distorted with jealousy and she was biting her lip so hard it nearly bled.

I couldn't help but feel a wave of smug satisfaction.

Before I could present my gift, Rossa could no longer contain herself. She stepped forward eagerly, addressing my mother-in-law.

"Madam—I mean, Mother Walter! I wish you endless joy and long life. I've also prepared a present for you and I'm certain you'll adore it."

With that, she turned and brought out a painting, unrolling it dramatically before my mother-in-law.

"Madam, look! This is Tranquility of Bamboo and Feathered Pair, a rare masterpiece I obtained at great expense from a private collector!"

It appeared Rossa had done her research, knowing my mother-in-law had a passion for antiques and traditional artwork.

As anticipated, my mother-in-law's face brightened with pleasure. She reached out to touch the painting, her expression one of pure delight.

"This painting is an invaluable treasure. How much did you pay for it?"

"One hundred million."

As she said this, Rossa looked smugly around the room, as if challenging everyone: Who here can offer a gift more valuable or thoughtful than mine?

She had a point. From what I could see, the stack of birthday presents beside my mother-in-law had already grown into a small mountain, undoubtedly from other family members who had arrived earlier.

So far, it seemed none of those gifts could match Rossa's in value or appeal. It was unlikely anyone would surpass her today.

Her motives were transparent.

First, she wanted to gain favor with my mother-in-law, preparing for the day she revealed her relationship with William.

Second, she wanted to impress the Walter Family, demonstrating she had the qualifications and capability to replace me as the young mistress.

However, here's the catch: my family had been in the antiques and art business for generations. The moment I saw the painting, I could tell it was counterfeit.

Though it was a decent copy, it completely lacked the texture and spirit of the original. At most, it was the work of a mediocre artist and worth no more than a few thousand dollar.

I knew this because I had attended the auction where the genuine painting was sold. I even knew which collector currently owned it.